But I must make my opinion clear that we cannot rush Gareth back into action too quickly; to do so would be criminal.
It’s really pleased for Gareth to be back in training and it’s positive news for everyone concerned because he has been out for so long with a horrible knee injury.
The Covid-19 pandemic has warped everyone’s sense of timing a little so it’s crazy when you think Gareth hasn’t played any form of rugby since August 2019.
He is yet to play for the Ospreys since leaving Cardiff Rugby, previously known as Cardiff Blues.
Gareth will have done so much hard work to get to this moment. Only he will know what he’s been through – especially with his recovery taking place during the pandemic – and he will now be thinking he can almost taste a return to action.
I was lucky not to suffer serious injury in my career. So, while it is difficult for me to relate to Gareth’s situation because I never spent two years on the sidelines, I do know what it is like to miss months of action. It is an awful experience.
You are constantly worried if you are going to come back as the same player and there are worries over losing your place both at regional and Test level.
Gareth will have experienced all these emotions. It must have been very tough which is why it would be criminal to throw it all away now.
Denne historien er fra August 22, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 22, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
